My Adversity To Happiness – MATH

Numbers always confounded me. No matter how much I tried, mental math would drive me mad; and not to mention trigonometry – it triggered so many emotions in me!

But, as every school student must realise, Math is not a subject we can escape. And so, I had to prepare – with many tuitions, extra classes, and prayers – for the dreaded Math test!

I was a bright student, at least in subjects like literature and history where stories fuelled my imagination. And in one such moment of fantasy, a brilliant idea struck me… If reading was my passion, and I could ace those subjects by reading through the books, why not apply the same to Math?! I mean, how different could numbers and words truly be?

Confident in the (seemingly) fool-proof plan, I began to read and memorise the formulae like dates from my history book. I started look at math like a story to be read and tips to remember. Geometry became shapes around me while algebra became logical arguments for me to solve. I believed that if I read the sums given for practice, I would be able to replicate the answers in the test - It was just applying the formulae, right? How hard could it be once I had become thorough in the theory?

When the day for the test arrived, I entered the classroom, confident and smiling –

“Surely this will be a test I pass with flying colours!!”

But I couldn’t be more wrong! To my horror, I had skipped the most fundamental step! I had made a silly mistake that would cost me my grades!

I forgot to PRACTICE!

I had forgotten that reading the fomulae did not mean I understood where to apply it. Even if I could see the shape as a triangle, it did not mean I knew the most efficient method to prove its angles. I did not understand that by practicing, I would realise many formulae become redundant and I can skip steps to answer the test faster. I forgot to practice and it made me inefficient. I spent far too long remembering the formulae and stumbled at basic steps because I had never spent time solving sums to know where I lacked the vision to go forward.

Although I barely passed the test, I was wiser for it. I had discovered something invaluable – You can’t just read through Math; you have to practice it too.

Of course, theory was important – but it was redundant without practice.

And isn’t this true for life as well? We can listen to stories, read self-help books, turn up the volume of our favourite podcasts, but if we forget to practice what we learn – will we pass the tests life will eventually have us take?

So, read books, listen to podcasts, talk to experts – BUT – Remeber to practice!!!

For example:

• Got a tip on time management? Next time you’re invited out, use the tips to be on time!

• Read about the benefits journalling? Write a few lines of reflection and see their effects over time.

• Heard about acts of kindness? Pick an action and DO it!

Doing creates awareness and breaks our barriers and fears. Practicing doesn’t always make us perfect, but it surely makes us more prepared. It is through practice that we become more confident, align with our vision, and celebrate our achievements.

So, the next time you find yourself daunted by something, don’t take cover under reading about the solutions – REMEMBER – you can set fire to your fear through practice!

By learning the importance of practice, I no longer run away from my fears. Nor do I try to find short cuts. And over the years, as I have tried to work through new challenges, Math has transformed into a new meaning for me. I now refer to it as – My Alignment To Happiness!